Differences between YM-50 and Ibanez 5 way?

[Shredcows]

Hi guys,
I have a majorrrrrrr question that has been bugging me for ages.

Btw, the Ibanez 5-way switch I'm refering to is the one for H-H guitars, as per this link: http://www.ibanez.com/parts/2002_PAR...s/3PS1SC5.html

I have an S520EX guitar, its original switch got crackly and worn, so after reading up, found out that the Gotoh YM-50 was the way to go, for the stock Ibanez H-H switching.

Now, brought it to a tech and all... and the tech came back with an interesting issue.

The YM-50 seemed to have a problem with the neck pup positions. The Tech claimed the neck pup output became weaker!

Now now.. before anything, this tech is a trustworthy and reliable man, he went thru a total of 2 YM-50s and 1 Strat 5-way, and he could not get it to work properly. He passed those used switches to me at NO COST, and did not charge me for the switch wiring.

So guys, is there really such an issue with the YM-50?

[Scott of Actual Time]

Originally Posted by Shredcows

the Ibanez 5-way switch I'm refering to is the one for H-H guitars, as per this link: http://www.ibanez.com/parts/2002_PAR...s/3PS1SC5.html

I have an S520EX guitar... So guys, is there really such an issue with the YM-50?

it's impossible to tell just from the picture of the switch, but guessing from the model # of your two-humbucker guitar, your old switch was the special Ibanez 5-way for use only with two humbuckers. the YM50 is a strat-style 5-way for use with three pickups. they look similar on the outside, but inside they're totally different. you can't replace one with the other and get the same pickup combinations.

so there's nothing wrong with the YM50 switch, and your tech is trustworthy although somewhat clueless about Ibanez switches. he should've checked the old switch with a voltmeter and figured out that it was not a standard 5-way.

to replace that two-humbucker switch, you either need to order the exact same switch model from Ibanez, or rewire the guitar with a 24-pole superswitch and lots of wire jumpers.

[buddroyce]

That Ibanez switch looks like one of thier Cortek switches they use on H-H guitars with the 5-way switching. The biggest difference between a YM-50 and one of those Cortek switchs is the fact that the Cortek switches have different pole assignments and was designed so that Ibanez wouldn't have to use a megaswitch to get thier special 5-way wiring on two humbuckers.

[Shredcows]

Hmmmm.... so essentially, the YM-50 can be used for a H-S-H Ibanez (RG/JEM) wiring correct? But not for the H-H config, ala my S series.

After the tech's wiring job, a friend of mine (engineering kid) tried to deciper the switching system on the Cortek (Where do you get those?!?! Even Rich doesn't stock them) and found it different from the YM-50, like what both of you are saying.

Thing is, I've been reading a lot about using a YM-50 to wire up Ibanez H-H guitars but as it turns out, it requires a totally different switch.

[buddroyce]

To tell you the truth, the YM-50 is a pretty craptacular switch. If you're going to use a H-H special 5 wiring I'd go get one of those Cortek switches, a VLX-90(essentially a smaller more compact mega switch) or a Fender/CRL 4-way tele switch(yes, it's a 4-way switch) or a CRL 3-way switch like the ones they use on Teles.

[Shredcows]

"Craptacular" MAN! You learn new things everyday.. this one's going into the vocab for desc gear and tone.

The main issue here is space. the S series is well, compact. It will not fit the Dimarzio 5-way megaswitch, or Ernie Ball 5-way...

So the VLX can handle the Ibanez H-H switching? Lots of jumper wires?

[Rich]

Am I missing something or why aren't you just using the 3PS1SC5?

[Shredcows]

Originally Posted by Rich

Am I missing something or why aren't you just using the 3PS1SC5?

Well, hahaha... I kind of forgot about you Rich. I saw 0 inventory for the 3PS1SC5 on your site and I forgot to ask if you have stock...

[Rich]

I never update that page

3 in stock, email if you need one.

[Shredcows]

I need one... i'll order one the moment I sell off some things on my side... been going on a gear spending rampage... lots of new toys and no cash in sight.